Museum Archive: Vintage Marathon (with sonic blades), 2/5oz Nickel fishing spoon #8681

Nickel-plated surfaces on this 2 1/4" (6 cm) spoon feature a distinctive diamond-grid pattern on one side, contrasting with the high-polish finish of the reverse. Hailing from the Marathon Bait Company of Wisconsin—the state's largest lure manufacturer from 1929 to 1979—this specimen is identified by product code 8681. Two elongated 'sonic' blades are mounted near the rear treble hook, designed to catch light and provide visual movement similar to a fleeing baitfish’s tail while masking the hook point. Weighing 2/5 oz (12 g), the lure is preserved in 5/5 condition. The hardware remains bright, showcasing the quality of this American-made classic throughout its fifty-year production history.